Inverter-based islanded microgrid: a review on technologies and control

Research on the use of microgrids has attracted the attention of researchers because it plays an important role in the success of microgrid operations. Microgrid (MG) can improve the quality, reliability, stability and security of conventional distribution systems. Inverter based MGs are an appropriate, attractive and functional choice for power distribution systems. Inverters in a MG have multiple topologies that have been referenced in various literature. One of the major concerns of MG is their diversity in power generation. Which has a great impact on the two main issues of power distribution performance, namely voltage control and power management. MGs can operate in two main modes: grid-connected or islanded. The main network does not dominate the dynamics of the island mode, and this mode is more challenging than the grid connected state. Island control capability must be provided by connected units. Negatively affecting system stability for tangible changes in production or load is a critical challenge for the island power grid. Therefore, this paper deals with the control of island inverter-based MGs. One of the main challenges in the development of MGs is their safe and accurate protection. Therefore, a brief reference is made to MG protection. More than 190 research publications are critically reviewed, classified, and listed in this area. The results of various simulations are presented using the conducted research. The main result of the comparison is that the network configuration and parameters have a great influence on the performance of the control methods and therefore the same ranking among them is not possible. Therefore, the issue of controller design for microgrids still needs further investigation and research. Finally, based on the critical study, future research directions are suggested.